When it comes to health, there is a right kind of chocolate, and a wrong kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate is the way to go, but be forewarned: not all dark chocolate is created equal. However, dark chocolate (that isn’t loaded up on extra sugar) as well as cacao nibs can be great for your health. Dark chocolate health benefits include, for example, protection from disease, improved heart health, and better cognitive function. But there is even more that dark chocolate can do for your health. Learn more by reading the list below.
Moving on, dark chocolate health benefits include improving your cholesterol levels. This is due to the cocoa butter within dark chocolate. It contains oleic acid, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil. Cacao butter also contains stearic and palmitic acids. While palmitic acid can increase bad cholesterol, there is too small amount of it to make a difference. And stearic acid won’t raise or lower cholesterol.
And Southern Medical Journal published a study regarding dark chocolate health benefits. They found that just one week of dark chocolate intake improved lipid profiles and decreased platelet reactivity both in men as well as women. For women, the dark chocolate also reduced inflammation. (4)
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Hare are 7 dark chocolate health benefits:
1. Protection from Disease-Causing Free Radicals
Who knew that you could fight disease by eating chocolate? Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can neutralize free radicals within your body. The inclusion of these antioxidants means dark chocolate health benefits include the ability to fight off certain diseases caused by these free radicals. Dark chocolate in particular contains two antioxidants called flavonoids and polyphenols. And the amount of these antioxidants in dark chocolate is even greater than it is in wine and tea. But how do you know what kind of dark chocolate to buy? Here’s the rule of thumb: the higher the cocoa percentage of your chocolate bar, the more antioxidants you’ll consume.2. Potential Cancer Prevention
Dark chocolate health benefits extend to cancer-prevention, as well. This is again due to the flavonoids present in dark chocolate. While evidence is limited, it suggests that flavonoids in dark chocolate may help fight against cancer-causing free radicals, but that’s only part of it. Researchers suggest that the pleasure one gains from eating chocolate may play a part in fighting cancer, too!3. Improved Heart Health
Heart vitality is another area in which dark chocolate health benefits apply. Flavanols are the main kind of flavonoid within dark chocolate. They have a positive effect on heart health because they can help lower blood pressure. Furthermore, flavanols can improve blood flow to the heart as well as to the brain. And dark chocolate flavanols can help make blood platelets less sticky and more able to clot. This lessens the likelihood of blood clots and stroke. (1) In fact, researchers took a look at dark chocolate health benefits regarding heart circulation in health adults. In the study, they compared flavonoid-rich dark chocolate to non-flavonoid white chocolate for two weeks. What they found was that the adults who ate the dark chocolate saw a significant improvement in heart circulation. However, those who are the white chocolate saw no positive health effects at all. (2) And another study from 2015 followed the health of over 20,000 people for 11 years. The study found that dark chocolate intake is associated with the lowering of cardiovascular events. (3) However, this doesn’t mean you should go wild and eat as much chocolate as you can. It’s to be consumed and enjoyed in moderation. But moderate consumption can help improve the health of your heart!4. Good for Overall Cholesterol Profile
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